Hawaii’s top fire knife dancers will compete in the seventh annual “Si‘a Le Afi... Ignite the Fire” Maui Fire Knife Competition presented by Tihati Productions.

KAANAPALI – Fire knife competitors from around the State of Hawaii will gather at Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa on April 28 and 29 for the seventh annual “Si’a Le Afi… Ignite the Fire” Maui Fire Knife Competition presented by Tihati Productions.

Hosted on the resort’s 12,000-square-foot Ocean Lawn, the two-night event will feature the islands’ top fire knife dancers as they vie for the coveted title of Maui’s 2017 Fire Knife Champion.

On Friday, April 28, nine competitors will perform in the preliminary round, with the top three highest-scoring individuals advancing to the finals. Doors open at 4:30 p.m., with opening ceremonies and introductions at 5 p.m., followed by a luau buffet dinner, signature performances from the Maui Nui Luau and round one of the competition.

Attendees on Saturday, April 29, will watch the three finalists fight for the title. Doors open at 4:30 p.m., and guests will enjoy cocktails, a luau buffet dinner and complete Maui Nui Luau show before the three finalists face off with breathtaking displays of skill and courage.

The first place winner will receive a grand prize of $5,000 cash, with second place receiving $2,000 and third place winning $1,000.

“We are thrilled to host the seventh annual Maui Fire Knife Competition and provide locals and guests an opportunity to celebrate the ancient art of fire knife dancing while also enjoying delicious luau-style food and performances by Maui Nui Luau,” said Tetsuji Yamazaki, general manager of Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa.

The expert panel of judges includes renowned Samoan culture and fire knife dance expert, and founder of the We Are Samoa Festival and the World Fire Knife Competition, Pulefano Galea’i; Malo Seleni, one of the original pioneers of fire knife dancing in Hawaii; Ifi So’o, the only consecutive three-time World Fire Knife Champion; and senior cultural ambassador for the Polynesian Culture Center, Kap Tafiti.

Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa is offering special kama’aina rates and dining discounts. Hawaii residents can call (866) 716-8140 and mention rate plan “fire” for room reservations.

Tickets for the Maui Fire Knife Competition per night are $111 for adults or $121 for premium seating, and $63 for children or $73 for premium seating.

For individuals interested in just the show without the dinner and luau inclusions, tickets can be purchased at $39 per night for adults ages 21 and over, $22 per night for teens ages 13 through 20 and $17 per night for children 12 and under. To purchase tickets, call Tihati Productions at 877-7627.

For resort room reservations, dining reservations and more information, visit www.sheraton-maui.com.